Artist:     Reckless Kelly

Album:     Sunset Motel

Label:     Thirty Tigers

Release Date:     09/23/2016

87

BUY DIGITAL

BUY PHYSICAL

Label them any genre you want – outlaw country, roots rock or red dirt – Reckless Kelly has a formula that works.

As a long-time fan of Reckless Kelly, I wasn’t sure what to expect with this album, but Sunset Motel didn’t disappoint. I was pleasantly surprised to hear songs that resembled some of their older music. The first single, “How Can You Love Him (You Don’t Even Like Him)” is a strong start to the record. The upbeat, country and rock-infused song reminds me of something that could have easily been on earlier albums, such as 2005’s Wicked Twisted Road or 2008’s Bulletproof. The peppy tune “Radio” follows, which mirrors a sound similar to Texas singer/songwriter Joe Ely. Frontman Willy Braun sings about the struggles of rising to mainstream fame in the music industry on this track, and continues that old-school Reckless Kelly sound that helped gain their loyal fan base.

The songs centering the CD offer a more toned-down vibe, much like their last album, Grammy award-winning Long Night Moon. Braun’s songwriting shines through here, with simpler, quieter melodies. The record then finishes out with the feel-good tune, “Under Lucky Stars.”

All fans of Reckless Kelly should own this album. The band stays true to their traditional sound while giving their fans a record that shines, both musically and lyrically. Any fans of the roots rock sound should definitely go out and pick it up. You will not be disappointed.

– Erin Medley